Background and Purpose
In 1960, our state developed a visionary plan for the future of higher education, known as the Master Plan. Much has changed in California during the ensuing decades – population growth, increased diversity, a change in leading industries and their need for talent, as well as in the field of education itself. There have been legislative reviews of the Master Plan at various points over the past 57 years, although the substance of the plan remains largely the same. Major reviews occurred in the early 1970s, late 1980s, and early 2000s. The most recent review by a legislative committee was conducted in 2010, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Master Plan.
The Select Committee on the Master Plan for Higher Education in California was established in March 2017 to conduct a thorough legislative review to ensure that the Master Plan reflects students’ needs to thrive in the 21st century economy.
Informational Hearings and Webinars
During the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, the Select Committee held a public hearing on career education. The hearing focused on the development of a new Master Plan for Career Education and panelists included a student, practitioner, employer, labor, and disability advocate.
- Developing a New Master Plan for Career Education – August 13, 2024
During the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 Legislative Sessions, the Select Committee focused on the student transfer process. Many students attend community college with the hope of transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. However, the path from community college to a four-year institution is often complex, confusing, and difficult for the vast majority of students to navigate. Assemblymember Marc Berman hosted two virtual conversations to identify how to improve and reimagine the transfer experience.
- The Transfer Process: Perspectives from the Students Who Lived It - October 27, 2020
- The Transfer Process: A Conversation with California's Higher Education System Leaders - January 13, 2021
During the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, the Select Committee held five public hearings throughout the state, including the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California. The hearings focused on the status of higher education in California, workforce needs, the needs of students, the needs of faculty and staff, and an overview of higher education finance.
- Overview and Status of Higher Education in California – August 31, 2017
- Ensuring the Master Plan Meets California's Workforce Needs – November 1, 2017
- Ensuring the Master Plan Meets the Needs of Students – March 1, 2018
- Meeting the Needs of Faculty and Staff to Support Students – May 4, 2018
- Overview and Status of Higher Education Finance in California – August 14, 2018
Report
In July 2020, the Select Committee released a report outlining key findings and policy themes that highlight important takeaways from the initial five hearings and led to the Select Committee shining a spotlight on transfer.
Contact
For more information, please contact Assemblymember Berman’s Legislative Director, Ellen Green, at Ellen.Green@asm.ca.gov.